From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Regina Doherty has announced today that, in line with the latest HSE and WHO advice around social distancing and in order to fight the spread of the COVID-19 virus and to get people into payment as quickly as possible, the Department has taken the decision to temporarily postpone all SAFE registration appointments with immediate effect to reduce footfall to offices in the best interests of customers and staff.
Over the last number of days the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection has experienced unprecedented levels of demand on our services.
In particular the online appointment services for SAFE registration in connection with the authentication of a person’s identity and the issuing of a Personal Public Services Number (PPSN) as well as a Public Services Card (PSC) have been in high demand. Fulfilling these appointments involves a visit to its offices and a face-to-face interview with an officer of the Department.
The online appointments service is being temporarily postponed on mywelfare.ie
The Department is making arrangements to email each customer who have an appointment, to advise them their appointment has been postponed.
Minister Doherty stated:
“We are currently facing an unprecedented challenge with Coronavirus but my Department is determined to meet it with agility and flexibility to ensure we get assistance to all who need it. The measures we are taking today will re-enforce social distancing in line with HSE and WHO guidelines.”
Temporary process for PPSN allocation
Customers who require a PPSN can apply directly to the Department via email.
The customer will be required to submit scanned images or photographs of the each of the following:
The above documents should be scanned/photographed and emailed to PPSN@welfare.ie
Alternatively, scanned copies or photographs can be posted to
PPSN Allocation,
CIS Registration, DEASP,
Shannon Lodge, Carrick on Shannon,
Co Leitrim,
N41 KD81
Customers should ensure that all the documents they are sending are legible.
The Department will issue the PPSN by post to the customer’s address.
Authentication of mobile phone number
This service is available to people who have previously authenticated their identity in a SAFE interview and, as a result, have already been issued with a Public Services Card and want to set up a verified MyGovID account.
The telephone number for this service is 1890 927 999.
Further information
Public Service Cards
Where a person has lost their Public Services Card, they can still request a replacement card by calling 1890 837 000.
Customers who already hold a Public Services Card and become entitled to Free Travel will continue to receive their new card by post.